Arthur Yoria

Houston, TX United States

Bio:
Based in Houston, TX, the Chicago native got a late start in music when he first picked up the guitar while attending the University of Houston. After stints in the Houston based bands, The Jeepneys and Lavendula, Arthur decided to set out on his own and released a 4-song, self-titled EP in 2001 followed by a 5-song EP, can you still look adorable in 2002. Having racked up rave reviews and nomination after nomination in the Houston Press Music Awards, Arthur felt it was time to record a full-length. So with the help of good friend and former Houston Rocket, Matt Maloney, 12Records, Inc. was created for that very purpose. Building on the success of the label’s first full-length, I’ll Be Here Awake which was released in 2004, Arthur has since released a 5-song EP of songs in Spanish, Suerte Mijo, and a 3-song EP of songs in English, Something Must Be Wrong.

2007 brings with it the brand new full-length, Handshake Smiles which finds Yoria venturing into new stylistic territory by infusing his now trademark hook laden indie-pop gems with everything from 70's AM radio rock to Americana to the sounds of the 60's British Invasion. Lyrically, Handshake Smiles feels more intimate than any previous release and Arthur claims to have taken a more autobiographical approach this time around. “This record is about the last two years or so of my life.” Says Arthur, “I've grown up a little and oddly enough, I’m starting to have more fun or at least I’m seeing the humor in all of the stuff that used to do me in.”

Whether it’s with his seasoned 4-piece band featuring Matt Taylor on drums, Mike Poulos on bass and Ron Segura on lead guitar or with his “solo-electro” act in which Arthur showcases his mastery of guitar, vocal and beat looping, the live shows have been known to captivate even the most jaded of venue patrons. He’s toured the U.S. and South America as well as the U.K. playing on stages such as the Knitting Factory in L.A., Sin-e' and CBGBs in NYC and the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. In addition, Arthur has had songs placed on the hit Fox tv show, the OC, the Fellicity DVD collection, various MTV shows, the National Lampoon film, Adam & Eve and has had songs featured in both Arizona Jeans and Domino's Pizza ad campaigns.